Booyakasha...

I'm another year older (as of 1/18, thanks you very much), and life is not without it's infinite barage of lessons and mishaps. Now, not trying to throw myself a pity party, but I have a penchant for the pessimistic. Knowing this, I've worked very hard to remind myself of the infinite wonder and mystery of things, and how futile negativity is. All that being said, I forget, and need to be reminded, and the crazy thing is that when you need it most is when you're the most blind to the fact. Sometimes it takes something drastic to bring you back to center, or a culmination of smaller things that finally add up, little droplets of rain eventually making a river that breaks a dam. Either way, I'm thankful for those reminders, in whatever incarnation. Recenty I've had a string of whack events happen to me (I'll spare the details), which didn't help the deep funk I've been in over the last months. But, ironically, it was these things that snapped me back to appreciate the important stuff, and it wasn't until I thought I would crack that it happened. Although, I'd like to think meditating and self-reflection have helped me to harness these moments is depairity and turn them into something positive. Because ultimately, positive begets positive, negative begets negative, and no one or no thing can break that cycle (either way) but you. I'm just happy to be on this side of the fence again, and I'm ready for MY new year. Stay posted...

Ps- LA, please stop raining...pretty please.


Love,
Rocco


- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

DTLA art walk and The Vault

I had my first Downtown LA art walk excursion...and it was really dope. Amidst the homeless and hipster, the vibe was intense, a mix of disgust and awe. It's a crazy dynamic, there's a bit of tension admittedly, between the people who literally live in the street and the galleries patrons, but in my opinion it added to my expierience. There's something about watching someone with nothing left to lose and has several fresh wounds to his face, barter with a 20-something in tight jeans and an ironic t-shirt for a cigarette and a sip of their beer. My real reason for going was to see my homie Stephen Buchanan (aka Cesl Rock) in a sketch comedy performance called "The Vault" @ the LAPT (Los Angeles Public Theater). The piece was written in one week, and it was a collaborative effort between all of the actors involved, and ran about 35 minutes. The house was packed, and some were turned away, but when the admission is a suggested donation of $3, how could you refuse? Anyway, it was hillarious. From "Avatar" addicts, to the Governator's strong-arm solutions for the budget crisis, I laughed my ass off. The best part, it's now going to happen every third Thursday, 10pm @ the LAPT 514 Spring St between 5th & 6th downtown. If you don't know, act like you know...

Love,
-R*


- Posted on the run, from my iPhone

To boldly go where no one has gone before...

I just saw the new Stark Trek (J.J. did his thing), and it rocked the casbah. I was super entertained, I'm sad I missed the IMAX. Ce la vie. It's new comic-book day (normally it's Wednesday, but Memorial day threw it off, and I find myself giddy with anticipation for the new Deadpool (which, since the new X-Men movie have been selling like hotcakes), but also pensive. I've been here now for about 1 & 1/2 years, and I felt it was time to check in with myself.

I've finished my script, and now, I have to get it made. Honestly, writing the script is most of the work. If your movie is good, you have a easier time getting it made, it's not rocket science. Not always, but most times (btw, any rich people interested in making a dark, beautiful, gritty drug-laced love story, or any movies for that matter, shoot me an email). I feel I've been productive, I've directed, edited, and produced two music videos (Nathan Nice: Perfect Somedays, and ceslrock: Buggo), plus the one short I wrote (BLU_SCRN). I've been trying to live up to my own expectations, and since the only acting work I've had access to has been commercially, I have quite a ways to go. I just got some new head shots (by Kendra Smith, excellent work) and cut a new theatrical demo reel together, so, I'm trying to get aggressive with sending my stuff out to managers and the like. Although, I know the only sure bet I have is my own script. My advice to people in this industry is: Sure, we all hope to be instantly discovered, but you can't sit around and wait for it to happen, you have to try to make it happen. In this case, I'm taking my own advice, and trying to bring to life my 98 page ticket. Take some responsibility for my career. At least I have to convince myself that I have some control, otherwise, you might as well play the lottery. I mean, if you resolve to make a professional living from acting, or writing, or any art, even if you are gambling, you should find a way to stack the deck ;)

ps - see Star Trek. And, if any casting peeps find this, please, cast me in the sequel. And, the Deadpool movie. ;P

'til next time kiddies.

love,

-R*

... on SAG and New Media.

Today is a double-whammy, because I've got some shit on mind I've gotta share, and I can't hold back until tomorrow...

SAG. The Screen Actor's Guild. If you live in LA (unless you live in a cave), or are in the industry else where, you're aware that SAG has been on the verge of a potential strike for some time, a few month's to be more specific. There are quite a few issues on the table, such as force majeure (uncontrollable acts of nature/life that complicate or ruin a shoot), number of required SAG background per shoot, but the MOST IMPORTANT of all, is the NEW MEDIA (internet, webisodes, streaming video, video games, etc.). Not only the one area the AMPTP (alliance of motion picture and tv producers) is unwilling to bend which shows it's importance, it also will be the direction ALL future media will be going in. Long gone are the days of DVD rentals and purchases. Between internet piracy, hulu.com (which has been bought out, so someone's making money), and Netflix instant streaming, there won't even be a point to getting a cut of DVD usage/sales. If it wasn't for Criterion Collection, I wouldn't buy DVD's at all, and I'm nostalgic (in that I still like to shoot 35mm, and read actual magazines instead of e-zines), in other words, I'm the exception. People have switched over to digital (aka new media) means for everything. Music first, now film and TV are following the same path, and if we don't get our cut now, we never will, because it will only become more valuable, and harder to fight for.

I have to say, I'm very disappointed in my fellow SAG members for allowing petty scare tactics to make them forget what's important. I've heard things like: "We can afford to strike in this economy...". There are several things wrong with that.

1.) Oldest trick in the book. We're being tempted to take something in a moment of desperation, because we're not thinking clearly. People are afraid they're going to be broke, somehow they've been convinced that the idea of striking and losing money in these "dark" times is scarier than being fucked over for the rest of your career. Taking a shitty deal now, just so we don't strike, will negate any possibility of us getting our piece or New Media.

2.) We're actors, when are we ever stable? You may not book something for months at a time. We are supposed to prepare for this eventuality, with or without a strike, soooo, what really is the difference? None as far as I can see.

3.) I am an actor, professionally. This means, I rely on it to pay my bills and feed me (and my family someday), so the idea that because of these short-sighted deals our "leaders" are taking from the AMPTP will make that future bleak if not impossible, due to the horrible distribution of wealth being generated from the new, but soon to be predominant form of media. If we can't get a living wage, this already next-to-impossible dream, will become a nightmare.

4.) The only time New Media is confusing to the AMPTP is when is involves paying us. When it comes to copyright infringement on them, they seem to have a very clear idea of what's owed to them. I have seen several interviews on MSNBC, Bloomberg, and C-SPAN with producers, and they all seem very confident that they will make a ton of money from the transition to New Media, although it seems they don't plan on sharing with the talent. hmmm...

So, to conclude... New Media is of the UTMOST importance in these upcoming negotiations. DVD's are going the way of the dodo, and so will our pay check if we don't get informed, and start trying to figure out how not to get screwed. And, we can't be short-sighted, we have to keep the big picture in focus, and think about ten years down the line, not just a fix for right now (the AMPTP counts on us sacrificing our greater good for instant gratification).

In solidarity...

Love,

-R*

... on paying it forward.

I'm not sure if it's going to get as deep as the title may imply, but I feel it necessary to prepare anyone reading this for where ever my mind may wander. I do have a point to starting this, but I'm feeling a serious bout of digression coming on. On that note...

I just wrapped on an XBOX commercial (the details of which I can't say due to confidentiality, corny, but real), and it was quite amazing, to say the least. Not only was I very grateful for the opportunity to work in these crazy ass times, but the crew was amazing. In fact, so were the clients and the agency (which, trust me, is not always the case). I'm excited because apparently this is playing all over the world. This is a first for me. The funny part, the events preceding and following the actual shoot were like life was torturing me. My car broke down, my face broke out, my internet and cable went down, I was one broken shoelace from insanity. But I kept reminding myself of the fact I was shooting an international commercial, and that this was all just life testing me to see if I could practice what I preach. Now, this wasn't just an opportunity for me to brag, but I did want to say that I owe it all to my new-found positivity. I was in the middle of a torrential shit-storm a few months ago. And, at one point I said to myself, I'm not going to give up, and let this superfluous b.s. get to me. I realized that as hard as I've worked, and as good as I do my thing, NOTHING is promised, and I am not entitled to anything I haven't manifested on my own. This is also coming off of the heels of me finishing a script, starring in two short films, and directing a music video (all of which I produced or made moves to be involved with on my own tenacity). I'm not saying gifts from the universe aren't welcome and amazing, but that if you expect to write your ticket on that, you're in for constant disappointment. None of this good stuff started to happen until I took full responsibility for my situation and took steps to change it. If you can be truly happy and motivated in the face of adversity, you will succeed. When the chips are down, will you let things throw you off balance, or will you maintain clarity and maneuver like a champion. For me, I feel like my time in LA was to help me cultivate this. New York is one of the hardest places to live in the world, but I feel much more in my element, so it kind of evens it out. Here, it's a different kind of difficult, it's like working out using muscles you didn't even know you had. I feel like figuring this out was a gift, which is what prompted me to share this with the world. Enjoy, and remember: Breathe, and have fun...

Love,

-R*

I moved to LA, yada yada yada, I got my big break...

So, I've been acting my whole life, professionally for many years, and I have yet to figure it out. The art I understand, but certain business aspects baffle my mind. All I do know, is that if given the choice between death, or not acting...it's a tough call. Not that it should ever get that intense, but if you are going to suffer the trials and tribulations of the entertainment industry, you should have an answer to that question.

On that note, I've noticed there are a lot of frustrated artists out here. And I have a bit of advice from my own experience:

This business can really show you what you're made of. If your not prepared to own your choices, for better or for worse, then pack your shit, move back in with mom, and figure out a plan B. You could also spend your life doing something else that's mundane but is more financially secure. But, if you're ready to face your inner demons, and love the decisions you make, good or bad, then you may have what it takes to ripple the pond that is show-business. You have to accept that, it will take an undeterminable amount of time, and that even if you land that dream job, nothing is promised. It's easy to let the rejection you experience, and the occasional bouts of poverty to jade you, and make you bitter. If not that, then the lack of recognition, not having an audition for months, let alone a booking, can and will have an effect, we are only human. The main difference between a success and a failure, is how we cope with what's thrown at us. My mother once said to me, "It's how you react that defines who you are, not what happens to you...". And that has been one of the best pieces of wisdom I've heard, especially in this business. You can let the negative shit you feel to get the best of you. The frustration can start to permeate from you almost like a stink, and it can get very strong. For me, the solution was to step away from myself, get out of my own head, and really try to remember why I even chose to be an actor and pursue this life. I feel happier, and more alive when I'm performing than when I do anything else. And that, is a beautiful thing. That, is what I want seeping from my pores: love, passion, creativity...not frustration or anger. I want the energy I felt the first time I stepped on stage to permeate my being. THAT, is what will make people want to be around you, and will separate you from the rest. This not only applies in the acting world, but in every aspect of life. I'm not saying to repress, or to be phony. I'm saying to focus on the positive, make peace with the bullshit, and realize you're living your dream (even if it sucks sometimes). Remember, on one coin there are two sides...

Until next time...

Love,

-R*

The Migration (On the front lines...)

I am an artist. Actually, more specifically an actor. I moved to Los Angeles from New York to try to further my career (and less importantly, to see what this whole west-coast thing was all about). I grew up in the east, and like all humans, I feared the unknown. I was all like, "Fuck LA, I'll go when LA calls, why leave NY, it's so amazing". Now, NY is amazing, don't get me wrong, but in a business where any and every-thing is possible, and you have a better chance of being struck by lightening than "making it", why eliminate ANY avenue for success. It was worth exploring, at the very least. So I left my rent controlled apartment, packed a bag, and hit JFK. Well, not entirely true, I kicked it in Philadelphia with my mom for a week or two, and did a few days on a film before I left (get face time with the fam, and have a credit to roll out with: win-win.) After that, I departed via a JetBlue buddy pass I was bestowed with and came to Hollywood (aka Holly-hood). I was staying with a friend in an office (yes, an office) that he set-up to be livable, although I say livable loosely. Yes it was a roof, and walls, and there was a bathroom...but to shower or cook, we need to outsource to a friend's apartment around the corner (which I thanked the universe for everyday). Now, I lived in NYC for seven years, and I've seen some CRAZY shit. Two weeks on Hollywood Boulevard, blew it all out of the box, I mean that shit is INSANE! But, I digress, It's odd how you start appreciating the little things when you're in a crazy situation, like being alone. Which at the time, would only happen for the twenty minutes I spent in the shower (the bathrooms at the office were, well, office bathrooms shared by the floor. Not very private).  But screw it, I was living the dream. I had been working with the agencies in New York that had offices in LA, so I figured it would only be a matter of time before I was right back in the swing of things. A smooth transition. I was half-right.

Here's some little tid-bits for any aspiring actors out there, especially if you want to do the bi-coastal jump:

a.) The agencies are the same, the agents are not. Nothing is guaranteed, just because NY reps you, does NOT mean LA will, and vice-versa.

b.) It's a whole new casting director circuit. All of the national bookings and call-backs in the world don't mean sh*t, and you will have to re-establish yourself (just remember, if you did it once, you can do it again)

c.) Find your inner producer. If you have any self-motivation, you will find there is a LOT of work here, you just may have to look under various rocks and shrubs. Learn to hone other film/stage related skills, and try a new approach. Learn to edit, do make-up, direct even...whatever you can do to stay productive, and maybe even meet other film makers who could later discover you act, and work with you on that level. You NEVER know.

d.) Network, Network, NETWORK!!

e.) Last but not least, put you $$ where your mouth is, and don't be a flake. Make your own films/plays and make them by any means necessary. If you can take something from idea to reality, you will not only attract other creative people, but you will be taken more seriously. There's a lot of crap out there, and a lot of talk with no action, use it to your advantage.

I'm not the best at taking my own advice, so I wouldn't expect anyone else to, but I'm speaking from experience. Since I've lived here, the only reason I've survived has been doing these things. I wrote and directed a short film that I also edited and produced. That film ended up getting me editing work which literally saved my life, it helped my solidify relationships with other film makers, allowed me to indulge my desire to direct, gave me a chance to act, and has brought other scripts my way that people want to make. I'm not saying it'll solve your problems, I'm still not anywhere close to where I want or need to be. But, it will help you survive another day, so you can be in the mix, and maybe get your break. In the mean time, I've discontinued (to put it lightly) my relationship with my legit/theatrical agents out here in LA, which set me back a bit, but I'm not discouraged. I've been writing as much as possible now, for two reasons. One, I have time and a voice, so I'm trying to use them wisely. Two, if no one GIVES you what you want, you have to TAKE it. I'm developing a pilot, and a feature screenplay, and you bet your ass I'm doing it for selfish reasons ;) Until next time...

ONE.